Particle board is made from small softwood particles that resemble coarse sawdust, and is usually held together with potent urea-formaldehyde (UF) glue. Particle board is frequently used as an underlayment for carpeting and is one of the chief causes of high formaldehyde concentrations in mobile homes.

We do not strictly control Google ad content. If you believe any Google ad is inappropriate, please email us directly here.

Research has shown particle board products made with UF glue are among the most common and worst offenders for offgassing formaldehyde into the indoor air. One study found that children living in houses containing a significant amount of particle board were more likely to develop headaches, wheezy bronchitis and eye and nose irritation.

Wall paneling, furniture, kitchen and bath cabinets are often made with particle board. Normally these materials are covered with a thin veneer of an attractive hardwood. Unfortunately, the veneer does little to block the formaldehyde emissions.

Some companies substitute isocyanate glues for UF glues in the manufacture of particle board. While isocyanates are quite dangerous during the manufacturing process, they outgas very quickly. Materials made with isocyanate glue are inert by the time they get to the marketplace.

Formaldehyde-free particle board is now available. Produced with natural materials such as wheat or straw and isocyanate glues, these products eliminate risks associated with the offgassing of formaldehyde from conventional particle board.

HHI Error Correction Policy

HHI is committed to accuracy of content and correcting information that is incomplete or inaccurate. With our broad scope of coverage of healthful indoor environments, and desire to rapidly publish info to benefit the community, mistakes are inevitable. HHI has established an error correction policy to welcome corrections or enhancements to our information. Please help us improve the quality of our content by contacting allen@healthyhouseinstitute.com with corrections or suggestions for improvement. Each contact will receive a respectful reply.

The Healthy House Institute (HHI), a for-profit educational LLC, provides the information on HealthyHouseInstitute.com as a free service to the public. The intent is to disseminate accurate, verified and science-based information on creating healthy home environments.

While an effort is made to ensure the quality of the content and credibility of sources listed on this site, HHI provides no warranty - expressed or implied - and assumes no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product or process disclosed on or in conjunction with the site. The views and opinions of the authors or originators expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of HHI: its principals, executives, Board members, advisors or affiliates.

Particle Board: Created on April 14th, 2010. Last Modified on April 17th, 2010